The bartending world in 2025 is a stage where creativity, culture, and craft collide. No longer confined to simply serving drinks, bartenders have become educators, innovators, and cultural ambassadors. Across cities from London to Tokyo and New York to Barcelona, a new wave of mixologists is reshaping the global spirits industry. These ten bartenders stand at the forefront, proving that cocktail culture is one of the most dynamic parts of today’s nightlife and hospitality.
Giulia Cuccurullo – London’s Creative Force
At the acclaimed Artesian Bar in London, Giulia Cuccurullo has emerged as a leader in global mixology. Her 2025 Renaissance-inspired cocktail menu is a blend of art and science, pairing each drink with miniature artworks. London remains a hub of cocktail culture thanks to bartenders like Cuccurullo, whose influence reaches well beyond the city.
Kevin Kos – Amsterdam’s Sustainable Voice
In Amsterdam, Kevin Kos has made sustainability his calling card. Working at Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, his drinks feature zero-waste methods and locally sourced Dutch ingredients. In 2025, Kos continues to inspire bartenders across Europe by proving that eco-conscious bartending can also set nightlife trends.
The bartending world in 2025 is a stage where creativity, culture, and craft collide. No longer confined to simply serving drinks, bartenders have become educators, innovators, and cultural ambassadors. Across cities from London to Tokyo and New York to Barcelona, a new wave of mixologists is reshaping the global spirits industry. These ten bartenders stand at the forefront, proving that cocktail culture is one of the most dynamic parts of today’s nightlife and hospitality.
Julie Reiner – New York’s Veteran Innovator
At Clover Club in Brooklyn, Julie Reiner remains a force in American cocktail culture. A pioneer since the early 2000s, she has launched a program in 2025 that revives forgotten pre-Prohibition punch recipes, bringing historic traditions into the modern era. Reiner exemplifies how seasoned bartenders can remain relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Shingo Gokan – Asia’s Visionary Leader
Few bartenders have the global impact of Shingo Gokan, who splits his time between Tokyo and Shanghai. His bars, including Speak Low and Sober Company, are legendary. In 2025, his focus on bridging cultures through Japanese precision and Chinese flavors positions him as one of the world’s top innovators in spirits and mixology.
Tiffanie Barriere – The Drinking Coach in Atlanta
Known as The Drinking Coach, Tiffanie Barriere is redefining bartending as both craft and cultural preservation. Based in Atlanta, she educates audiences on African American contributions to cocktail history. In 2025, her advocacy and community programs demonstrate how bartenders can influence both nightlife and heritage.
Remy Savage – Paris and London’s Design Thinker
Operating between Paris and London, Remy Savage has once again set the bar high in 2025 with a Bauhaus-inspired concept bar. By merging mixology with design principles, Savage turns drinking into an intellectual and artistic experience, keeping him at the forefront of European spirits innovation.
Monica Berg – Oslo’s Ethical Pioneer
Norwegian-born Monica Berg, co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary in London, continues her mission for transparency. In 2025, she has introduced a digital farm-to-bar platform that connects producers directly with bars. Berg’s leadership shows how ethics and sustainability can guide the future of bartending.
Moe Aljaff – Barcelona’s Hospitality Icon
At Two Schmucks in Barcelona, Moe Aljaff maintains a reputation for rebellious creativity. His 2025 menu, inspired by street food, celebrates global flavors while keeping cocktails approachable. Aljaff’s vision ensures Barcelona remains at the center of nightlife trends.
Kaitlyn Stewart – Canada’s Global Competitor
Based in Vancouver, Kaitlyn Stewart, winner of Diageo World Class 2017, has grown into a global educator. Her 2025 digital cocktail masterclasses make high-level training accessible worldwide, strengthening her role as one of North America’s leading bartenders.
Alex Kratena – London’s Global Connector
A co-founder of Tayēr + Elementary, Alex Kratena is one of the most connected bartenders in the world. His 2025 bartender exchange program allows mixologists to work in different cities each season, spreading ideas and building a truly global bartending network.
The Shape of Bartending in 2025
These ten bartenders highlight the diversity and ambition of today’s spirits world. They are innovators, educators, and cultural leaders whose work transcends the glass. The mixology trends of 2025 show that bartending is not just about nightlife, it is about shaping global cocktail culture and leaving a lasting impact on the spirits industry.
